Diesel fuel prices at all-time high

On Tuesday, the national average for one gallon was $3.346, says AAA

On Tuesday, the national average for one gallon was $3.346, says AAA

November 07, 2007|By Emily Arthur-Richardt, American News Writer

As Andy Stewart filled up his semi with diesel fuel on Tuesday in Aberdeen, he watched as the price continued to rise. When the final total equalled $680 for 202.6 gallons, Stewart just shrugged as he walked inside to pay. “We definitely notice when they go up,” said the 25-year-old Stewart, a trucker from Lake Preston. “But it's nothing new. The prices are so high.” The highest ever, in fact. On Tuesday, the national average for a gallon of diesel fuel was $3.346, according to AAA. Tuesday's average was the highest it has ever been. In South Dakota, AAA reported the average cost of diesel at $3.339, and in North Dakota, it was even higher - $3.494. Gas prices also continue to rise. The current average for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.024, according to AAA. In South Dakota, it's $3.021, and in North Dakota, it's $3.076. “One of the big problems right now is crude oil is trading at absolutely record high prices,” said Mark Madeja, regional spokesperson for AAA. “There is the usual amount of geopolitical happenings driving prices up, but there's another thing doing it, too. Everybody wants to trade commodities, especially crude future stocks right now, because it's such a hot ticket. That's driving up prices at the pumps. It's kind of like Texas Hold 'Em poker, and everybody's in right now.” And as diesel and gas prices continue to rise, so does the price awareness for people like Stewart. As he travels all across the country, he watches for the cheapest - and most expensive - stations. “It's pretty high here, but New Jersey is probably the highest,” said Stewart, who works for Bunker Transport out of Arlington. “Oklahoma is the best. We'll often put a dab on here or there, as long as we can get to Oklahoma to fill up.” On Tuesday, Stewart was headed to Denver to deliver equipment for Twin City Fan. Another driver, William Sheets, 27, of Aberdeen was hauling sand for Scott Olson Digging of Huron. Sheets said he was hauling it back and forth for the beef packing beef being built south of Aberdeen. “I don't really pay attention to the prices, but I'm guessing our employer does,” Sheets said. “Nothing has changed for me.” While it hasn't yet, that doesn't mean it won't. National officials speculate trucking trips may have to be scaled back should diesel prices continue to rise - much like many Americans have scaled back their travel plans as gas prices have stayed steady or gone up. "Right now, it's anybody's guess how long this will last,” Madeja said. “This thing is so off the charts. It's the kind of year when the oil and gas handbooks are kind of out the window.” Madeja said the best thing people can do is to continue to conserve and to contact their elected officials to urge them to develop an energy policy. “That's the two things we can control right now,” Madeja said. Reporter Emily Arthur-Richardt; (605) 622-2314 or 1-800-925-4100 ext. 314; earthur@aberdeennews.com